What Has Has

Someone has recently wondered about what is is, so I want us to consider what has has. In John 3:36, we read, "He that believeth on the Son, HAS everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son SHALL NOT SEE life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Now, what does "has" mean?

It means that he currently possesses it, for this verb is in the present tense. In order for one to truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, he must already have eternal life abiding in him.

Notice that order in Acts 13:48: "...as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Life must come before faith. That makes sense, for Jesus said in John 3 that one must be born from above before he can see or enter the kingdom of God.

Now, please notice that the one who does not believe shall not see (future tense) life. Why, do you suppose, did the Holy Spirit inspire a different verb tense? It is so we could understand that eternal life is not the result of believing or any other work.

Religious man loves to boast too much about what he has done to gain favor with God or help others gain favor with God (get saved). However, the truth of sovereign grace is plainly taught in the Bible so that, "No flesh should glory in His presence." (1 Corinthinans 1:29)

Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.